Seme Border, Lagos – June 25, 2025 — The Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Customs, Zone ‘A’, Charles Orbih, has commended the Seme Area Command for its infrastructural strides and operational excellence, describing the Command as a model of strategic alignment with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) leadership vision.
ACG Orbih gave the commendation during an official visit to the Command on Wednesday, where he praised Comptroller Timi Bomodi Oramalugo for delivering impactful projects that resonate with the transformation agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“The renovated COWA building, upgraded sports complex, and newly commissioned officers’ mess are testaments to our shared commitment to service excellence,” Orbih stated. “As we move forward, these accomplishments must serve as launching pads for even greater performance. The standard has been raised for Zone ‘A’.”
He further charged officers to align with the evolving demands of Nigeria’s economy and security environment, urging them to leverage the Command’s strategic border location to boost trade facilitation and anti-smuggling operations.
ACG Orbih also outlined the NCS’s seven strategic priorities for 2025, which include:
Full deployment of trade modernisation infrastructure;
Implementation of the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) programme;
Technology-driven risk management;
Operational launch of the NCS University;
Strengthening of international partnerships under the AfCFTA framework;
Institutionalisation of a robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) model; and
Promotion of open governance, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.
He assured officers that the Service remains committed to enhancing staff welfare and professional development.
Earlier in his welcome address, Comptroller Oramalugo described the visit as a morale booster and shared key performance highlights since assuming leadership of the Command on February 11, 2025.
“In line with the CGC’s reform blueprint, we have prioritised excellence, innovation, and inter-agency collaboration. Between January and May 2025, the Command generated ₦3.58 billion in revenue,” he said, attributing the milestone to heightened compliance and efficient risk management.
On anti-smuggling efforts, Oramalugo disclosed that the Command’s Enforcement Unit made significant seizures valued at ₦889 million, including hard drugs and foreign currency worth ₦48.97 million.
He expressed appreciation to partner agencies, traditional institutions, and stakeholders for their support, which he noted was instrumental to the Command’s operational success.
The visit concluded with an inspection of completed infrastructure projects and a reaffirmation of commitment to the Customs Service’s strategic roadmap.
